For the first newsletter of the College year, Mr Leadbetter has produced a video for your enjoyment.

Please view it HERE.

MR CHRIS LEADBETTER

Principal

Heart of Gold

This year we explore our brand - Heart of Gold which looks at the essence of who we are as a community. There is gospel that we often use with our students and that is the Emmaus Story. The Gospel takes place soon after the death of Jesus and two of the apostles are walking on the road to a town called Emmaus. The apostles at this time were quite scared of what had happened to Jesus and were wondering if this might happen to them and had also heard reports that Jesus was no longer resting in the tomb where he had been laid. The apostles are soon approached by a man who asks them what was going on and the two being quite surprised that the man had not heard began to tell him. The apostles could not see clearly the face of the stranger they were talking to and the stranger soon took them to an inn where he broke bread with them and read from the scriptures. The stranger soon left and it was then where the apostles realised that they had been in the presence of Christ. They spoke of the feeling of their heart burning as he opened them to the scriptures. It was at this point they knew they would be safe as Jesus was walking with them. This gospel is used as a reminder that we must always open our hearts to those around us and it is only when we open our hearts to others that we can experience a deep connection and be present to others' stories. We always ask our students to think about those people that make our hearts burn and who become our Face of Jesus. It is when we do this the students realise they are and can be this face to others but it is only through opening their hearts to others that we can experience this.

Year 7 Retreat: 

Next Monday and Thursday our Year 7’s will take part in their retreat simply titled Grow. The retreat challenges our students to understand how their actions can create an environment where Lauries can be fertile soil from which we can all grow. The retreat bases itself on the Parable of the Sower where Jesus talks about a farmer attempting to plant seeds and was unsuccessful on rocky and sandy ground. It was only by planting in fertile soil and through care and nourishment that the seeds could grow. Our sessions are designed around having our students understand that their actions help create the fertile soil and that they must be aware of the positive impact they have and how through lack of care, sometimes, our actions can hurt others. Our Year 7’s will also be joined by Mr John Hanley from MND&Me who will share his story of living with Motor Neuron Diseases and how this shapes the way he lives his life and his relationships. We look forward to meeting all the Year 7’s next week for retreat.

Year 12 Mass

Next Friday we will have our first before school mass of the year at the St Laurence O’Toole chapel from 7.50-8.30am. This mass is for our Year 12 students as a way of acknowledging the start of their journey as Year 12’s in their final year of their Lauries journey. Parents of Year 12’s that would like to attend are most welcome.

MR PAUL CORFIELD

Dean of Identity and Community

Welcome Back

I welcome back all students and families this week. I hope students are well rested and ready to start what we hope will be another successful year at the College.

2022 Teaching and Learning Data

I spoke at recent parent information evenings regarding our outstanding academic growth from 2020 - 2022. I must thank all academic staff, particularly Heads of Faculty and Year 12 teachers who worked tirelessly to ensure that our 2022 Year 12 students were supported in their QCAA assessment. While we were slightly lower with our QCE completion compared to 2021, most other areas of academic achievement improved. I particularly thank Mr James McLauchlan and Mr Andrew Newcombe for their work in mentoring and tracking students who were at risk of not achieving their QCE. A comparison graph is below – for your reference.

A special congratulations to our joint Duxes who achieved 99.90 (Adam Brouwers and Cameron Griffins); Proxime Assist who achieved 99.65 (James Starling) and Br Spillane Memorial Award who achieved 99.60 (Cooper Dean).

Academic Support

There are many opportunities for students to access extra support if they need help with their studies. These include:

• Study Starter
• Faculty Tutoring
• Personalised Tutoring with Alumni
• Specialised ATAR workshops conducted by the Lagos brothers (both Alumni Dux).

More information about these opportunities will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

Assessment Calendars

Year 7 - 12 assessment calendars will be released early next week. I ask parents and students to note these dates in their diaries. I also encourage students to start assessment early. Leaving assessment until the last moment can increase the amount of unnecessary stress placed on students. As always, please reach out to classroom teachers and Heads of Faculty if extra support is needed.

Welcome to all in our community

For those families who are new to our community, I offer a very heartfelt welcome, and I hope that you and your son/s truly experience the Lauries Journey. Our amazing teaching staff and Middle Leaders are passionate in helping to fulfill our mission to develop and form your son as a Laurie’s Gentleman. Please contact us if we can assist in any way.

Live Jesus in your hearts. . Forever!

DR LIAM HERBERT

Dean of Teaching and Learning

Career Counselling

For any students wanting to discuss career information, post-schooling pathways, job skills etc. please see Mr Moscos in the Careers Office.

Phone: (07) 3010 1158 

Email: pmoscos@slc.qld.edu.au 

Work Experience

Over the November/December school holidays the St Laurence’s College Careers Office had approximately 50 students go out into various fields to complete work experience. It was very encouraging to see such a large number of students volunteering time in their holidays to build their experience and make industry connections, which will be helpful as they continue their progression into the world of work. St Laurence’s College students typically do exceptionally well in their placements, with many employers commenting on their positive attitude and work ethic, leading a number to gain paid employment opportunities. Students completed placements in a large range of industries, including:

• Barbering
• Construction
• Design
• Education
• Electrical
• Engineering
• Government
• Hospitality
• IT 
• Laboratory Science 
• Law
• Mechanical
• Media
• Physiotherapy
• Real Estate
• Retail

It was also very encouraging to see some students securing casual employment and school-based apprenticeships from their work experience.

For information on the Work Experience program for 2023, including the application form, please click here. Please note that students in Years 11 & 12 who are completing a VET pathway will complete work experience through the Structured Work Placement program run by the VET Office.

UCAT Opening Date

Students looking to gain entry into provisional medical courses or dentistry courses may wish to sit the UCAT. The UCAT is a requirement for entry into a large number of these courses throughout Australia and some in New Zealand. Applications to sit the UCAT open on 1 March and remain open until 17 May, with testing held between 3 July and 12 August. The UCAT website has a wide range of practice resources available to students. For more information or to register, please click here.

Senior External Examinations

Any students in Grade 12 who are proficient in a language other than English may have the opportunity to complete the subject as a Senior External Examination. Completing one of these subjects means that it can contribute to a student’s ATAR, will gain them 4 QCE credits and may also provide adjustment factors for university entry. The language subjects offered are:

• Arabic
• Indonesian
• Korean
• Latin
• Modern Greek
• Polish
• Punjabi
• Russian
• Tamil
• Vietnamese

Applications for this are open until 30 April 2023 – you must register through the school. The QCAA has not yet advised the cost of enrolment, but the 2022 price was $69.30, so it is expected that it will be a similar price for this year. Interested students are asked to email careers@slc.qld.edu.au as soon as possible, or come into the Careers Office.

Defence Force Work Experience Program

The Defence Work Experience Program provides opportunities for young Australians interested in a career at Defence to gain exposure to the type of work that is available. Defence is committed to providing a national work experience program designed to:

• demonstrate the wide variety of interesting careers available within Defence
• ease the transition of students into the workplace
• contribute to the development of the skills of young Australians. 

Opportunities are available for both secondary and tertiary students and you must be at least 15 years of age at the time of the placement. Click here for more information including:

• Information for students
• Information for parents
• Information for educators
• How to apply
• Student stories

MR PAUL MOSCOS

Careers Counsellor

As we welcome our new families in Years 5 and 7 to the College this year, students and parents alike can be comforted to know that many students have passed through the gates, under the Jacaranda trees of Stephen’s Road sharing similar anxious energies and anticipation for future opportunities. I wish to thank all the Year 12 students for their assistance with the younger students, being their “transport buddies” for the first few days. Many stories have been received by the College of Year 12 students going above and beyond in their efforts to assist the younger boys, even walking them to the door of their house.

Our Year 12 students also helped our Year 7s settle in on their first day, acting as tour guides, helping organise lockers and helping the Heads of House induct students into their House. 

Events

The past week has been extremely eventful at the College. We have held information evenings for Year 7 and Years 11 & 12. The College would like to thank all parents who attended the evenings. However, if you could not make it, recordings of the evenings will be sent to families.

Year 7 Alternate Program

This week our Year 7s have participated in numerous events, workshops and presentations helping them to learn the ‘Lauries Way’ and key staff who are there to assist in various departments. 

This coming week will be a busy week with our Year 7s experiencing camp, Retreat and an academic orientation day. Information has gone out about arrangements but, please see the table below that outlines what each House will be involved in each day. Please email your son’s Head of House should you have any questions.

Monday 30 January: Retreat- Mr Corfield and the Identity Team

• Rice; Sion; Treacy; Waterford; Xavier

Tuesday 31 January: Academic Orientation Day - Ms Kentrotis and key staff 

• Rice; Sion; Treacy; Waterford; Xavier

Thursday 2 February: Retreat- Mr Corfield and the Identity Team

• Callan; Duhig; Hogan; Kilian; Nagle 

Friday 3 February: Academic Orientation Day – Ms Kentrotis and key staff 

• Callan; Duhig; Hogan; Kilian; Nagle 

Commissioning of our Year 12 students. 

This morning the College commissioned the Year 12 cohort as Seniors for 2023. The students were presented with their Senior badges from a Middle School Leader and their Head of House. The 2023 student leadership group, were also commissioned with their badges, presented by Mr Leadbetter and accompanied by their parents. The Year 12’s have started the year extremely well and we hope they continue their good work in being leaders of our Lauries community.

Commissioning of Middle School Leaders 

The Middle School Leader Program has been in place for many years at Lauries. Since the House System commenced in 2019, each House is represented by a Year 9 student leader who has been elected to that position by his peers. During Wednesday’s assembly, Mr Leadbetter presented our 2023 Middle School Leaders with their badge. We thank them in advance for the work they will do this year and, to Mr Matthew Yates (Acting Head of Waterford House) who will mentor them through their journey.

Date Claimers

Monday 30 January – Year 8 & 9 Parent Information Night

Tuesday 31 January – Year 10 Parent Information Night

Again, the Pastoral Team welcomes all students, whether they are returning or just beginning their Lauries journey. We walk with them as they journey to reach their version of excellence for 2023. 

Best wishes for the coming week.

MS VANESSA BELL

Dean of Middle School 

Strike up the Band!

Welcome to all new families and welcome back to continuing students. We are looking forward to a great year of music making. 

Ensemble Rehearsals and Instrumental Music Lessons

All rehearsals and lessons commence next week beginning Monday 30 January. All students need to check the timetables in the Music Department and be prepared for their first lesson and rehearsal.  

SLC Old Boys and Community Choir Season

An invitation to parents, family members, friends, current and former staff and Old Boys to join this years Old Boys and Community Music Season for 2023. There will be an Old Boys Choir, Guitar Orchestra and String Ensemble. Rehearsals will commence next Monday 30 January at the times below:

• 5.30pm for Guitar Orchestra in MU1(Top Floor of VAPA building);
• 6pm - String Ensemble in the String Hub;
• 6pm for Community Choir in the Chapel; and 
• 6.30pm for the Old Boys Choir in the ERPAC singing room.  

Rehearsals will run for six weeks concluding with the Old Boys and Community Music Concert on Monday 13 March at St Ignatius Church, Toowong.

Simply use these links to sign up:

Old Boys' Choir Registration 2023

Community Choir Registration 2023

Why should you join? 

• Because making music is fun
• You’ll meet people in the community 
• It only goes for six weeks (that’s only six hours of your life)
• The concert will raise money for charity

Laurie’s Music Support Group Meeting Tuesday 7 February 6pm Music Department: 

Room MU1 (Top floor VAPA building).

A great way to support your son at Lauries is by joining the parent’s Music Support Group. Meetings are once a month on the second Tuesday of each month (term time). Meetings are informal, generally less than an hour long and a great way to hear the details and help with the planning of upcoming music events! If you are unable to make the meetings but available to help at concerts/events, join the group so you can be on our email list and be kept up to date. Please contact the Music Department if you have any questions.

Holiday Music Happenings

It was wonderful to have several Lauries staff, students, parents and Old boys singing and playing at Sunday masses and at the Christmas masses at St Ignatius Church Toowong, where Dr Anthony Young is the Director of Music.

Staff News

Dr Anthony Young taught choral conducting at the Sound Thinking Australia Summer School which was held online this year. The summer school prepares teachers for accreditation as experts in the Kodaly teaching philosophy which is used at St. Laurence’s College. The online experience enabled people across the country and overseas to access the course. However, it is hoped the Summer School will be in person again in the future and will be able to welcome school students and overseas lecturers. 

During the holidays, College brass players, singers and staff played carols at Emmanuel City Mission Christmas lunch for the homeless. They joined Mr Paul Corfield, Dean of Identity and Sion House staff and students who served Christmas lunch. This was a wonderful service to the community and we thank the students and staff for their generosity.

Term 1 Concerts:

Wednesday 8 March Intermediate Ensembles Concert @ 6pm in ERPAC

Performances by the College Intermediate Ensembles

Thursday 9 March Senior Ensembles Concert @ 6pm in ERPAC. 

Performances by the College Senior Ensembles

Monday 13 March

Old Boys and Community Choir Concert. St Ignatius Church Toowong

Please contact the Music Department: music@slc.qld.edu.au or telephone 3010 1138 if you have any questions regarding the music program.

Strike up the Band!

MR ROSS CAPERN

Head of Instrumental Music

Welcome to the 2023 Sporting Year! This year we hope to give every boy at Lauries an opportunity to represent St Laurence’s College across the broad variety of sports we offer. It’s pleasing to see we have many students throughout the College who have already commenced training and trials for the various sports on offer in Term 1.

Sports Department Changes

This year we welcome two new staff members to our Sports Department staff. Firstly, we welcome Mr Miguel Nydam who has joined the department as Sports Assistant. Miguel’s role has become critical with the increasing number of boys participating in sport each season here at Lauries. We also welcome Mr Jamie Davies- our Manchester City Football School Coach. Jamie’s experience in coaching will not only be of great benefit to our students in the Manchester City Football School, but he will be a great mentor for all of our coaches here at the College. We welcome both Miguel and Jamie to our community.

College App

A reminder to all families that the primary tool for communicating information to the sporting community is through the College App. This includes season information booklets, weekly schedules and team lists. The College App also gives us the ability to push any cancellations/changes of sporting events directly to people’s phones. This is an incredibly important tool.

Trials

This weekend the majority of teams will be playing their final trials before the AIC season commences next weekend. The College will also host a number of AIC Schools for an invitational swim meet at Yeronga on Friday afternoon. The majority of trials this weekend will be against St Edmund’s and Ambrose Treacy. Good luck to all boys for this weekend!

MR EDDIE WALLACE 

Head of Sport

Any regular A-team or Rep players from 6a – 10a and 1stXV Rugby teams are invited to attend the C2K sessions. Further information regarding the sessions can be found HERE.

SESSION Dates and Times SUNDAYS: FEB 12 and 19, MAR 12 & 19 at BALLYMORE 8AM - 10.30AM

College enrolments for Year 7 in 2025 are now open! 

Click HERE to begin your enrolment process!

Applications for the Sports Excellence Program for 2023 are now open. All applications are required by Friday 3 February at 3pm. Students are to come and see Mrs Dwyer in the HPE Office to collect an application form and selection criteria document or fill out the attached forms.

Sports Excellence Application Form 2023

Sports Excellence Selection Criteria 2023

Does your son love Theatre Sports? Drama games? Acting and public performance?

More importantly do you want your son to improve his presenting skills in all their classes? Expand their debating skills?

Would you like your son to learn how to breathe properly to reduce stress, anxiety and speak with confidence.

We also offer Trinity Guildhall and AMEB exam which improve ATAR scores, recognised practical exams that add to your university application?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, Speech and Drama is for your son! Contact the Music Department for enrolment information and forms – music@slc.qld.edu.au

Email lillianduggan@slc.qld.edu.au for more information.

Please see attached information from Yeronga AFL Club here.

Please find attached HERE an advertisement from our homestay provider AHN requesting Lauries families to consider becoming homestay families.  

The Lauries Autumn Lunch is back in 2023 at the beautiful Victoria Park Marquee on Sunday 26 March!

Tickets are now sold out!

Mingle with members of the Lauries community over a two-course lunch, complimentary drink on arrival and cash bar facilities. Celebrate your Lauries Journey and help raise money for the St Laurence’s Old Boys’ Foundation and St Laurence’s College Building Fund.

Book your tickets HERE.

Please see the below attachments from Souths Rugby Club!

Please see the below attachments from Sunnybank Rugby!

Mother's Camp is another great opportunity to increase your connection to the Lauries community and make new friends. Tickets for this event are now sold out!